Prop. 8 decision provokes mixed response across San Bernardino County

The Supreme Court's twin rulings on same-sex marriage came early on Wednesday, California-time, but many Inland Empire residents were up and ready for the long-expected historic rulings. How they reacted to them, however, varied greatly.

"Sure, there are some people that are saying that they could have gone a little further or they could have given marriage rights to the entire United States. But I don't think it's beneficial for us to dwell on that very, very minor point. I think we should see this moment for the wonderful and hard-fought victory that it is."

Officials of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino were not among those celebrating on Wednesday morning.

"We acknowledge with regret what now appears to be a fundamental change in the legal definition of marriage in our state," Bishop Gerald R. Barnes said in a written statement. "This decision will have no impact on how we, as Roman Catholics, celebrate and practice the sacrament of matrimony. Let us take this moment to look again at what our faith teaches us about marriage, an expression of love and commitment between man and woman, a sign of Christ's love for us, and a source of new life in God's plan for humanity."

And Barnes cautioned those opposed to same-sex marriage against holding it against the gay members of their community.

"I ask that in whatever emotions we may feel in the wake of this ruling, we remember that we are called to recognize the dignity of our brothers and sisters who are homosexual," he said. "Let us welcome them in our communities of faith as children of God."

Pastor David Rosales, of Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, remains firmly against gay marriage but was not surprised by the Supreme Court's decisions on Wednesday.

"I believe very strongly the majority of Americans opinions regarding moral thought are not well thought-out," he said. "The majority of Americans base their opinions on legal opinions the court makes: If the court makes a decision, that makes it right. I don't hold a whole lot of esteem from a philosophic perspective. The moral fabric has been deteriorating for so long it's not surprising to me, because people make ethical and moral judgments based on legalities."

But not all local religious leaders were opposed to the decision.

"This is a landmark day in the history of our nation and the global struggle for human rights," Jeffrey Kuan, president-elect of Claremont School of Theology, said in a written statement. "I am proud to stand and rejoice with my LGBT sisters and brothers as we celebrate today, while recognizing the work yet to be done on the long arc toward justice. As we continue to determine what this means for the church, we join with communities of faith across the country and around the world to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, together and forever."

Former Redlands Unified teachers Doug Hairgrove and Warren Wood married in 2008 during the window when same sex marriage was legal in California. The Palm Springs couple both cried while watching TV coverage of the Supreme Court rulings.

"It makes us equal to everyone else now," Hairgrove said.

The pair have been dating since their senior year at the University of Redlands and have been active at the university's Pride Center.

"I have never had anyone say or indicate in the slightest being against our marriage, not in the slightest," Hairgrove said.

The same-sex marriages haven't started yet in San Bernardino County and probably won't do so for a few weeks: The state Department of Public Health told counties to hold off on issuing same-sex marriage licenses until the 9th Circuit court lifts the stay of the 2010 U.S. District Court ruling that found Proposition 8 unconstitutional. The 9th Circuit Court could take up to 30 days to do so, according to the office of the assessor-recorder-clerk of San Bernardino.

Once that happens, marriage licenses will be available at the County Hall of Records, 222 W. Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino and the Recorder's Office in the High Desert Government Center, 15900 Smoke Tree Street in Hesperia.